Grasping at ghosts...

[Archie]

I've mentioned it before on other sections of this forum. I'm trying to replace the non existent grips (They are gone long before my ownership). I figured I could learn by experimentation. I have now figured out most of the grip forming part.
Does anyone know what size of screws fasten the grips to the frame, specifically the WW1 era Spanish "Ruby" type pistols?

I feel this is a slim chance, but it's worth a try. My last desperate thought is to find some screws I feel appropriate for the task and get the proper tap and re-tap the hole.

Any thoughts?

 

[gobsauce]

I bought a really beat up ruby for $50 (red flag, i know). Grips were not original,neither was the screw. I cannot recall off the top of my head what the threads were, it's been about 5 years since.

My local ace has gunsmithing screws, so I took the upper assembly off, and took the bare frame to ace, measured a bunch of different screws until I found the right ones.

Maybe you an try the same or maybe even a local 'smith might have the screws you need.

 

[berettaprofessor]

This is the pistol, not the revolver, right? One website said to look for these: https://www.triplek.com/product/alkartasuna-32acp-2-grip-screw-6-rd/

Might be worth the $42 just to try them.

 

[Archie]

In fact, making the grips for a flat sided frame was rather easy. Getting the screw holes in the grips to match the frame was a bit more trying (keeping the hole in the grip less than half an inch).
It seems the screw holes in the frame are 4mm. However the pitch (thread count) seems to be whatever the maker had on hand or Ouija board. Just invented. So I found a local ACE hardward store that had metric screws and a metic tap to match and taped the 4mm x who knows? thread to the pitch of screws they sell. Holding the Guinness record for breaking taps, it went surprisingly easy.
Yes, I used cutting oil. Yes, I did it slow and reversed the tap to eject chips. But being already threaded it wasn't like tapping a smooth and full diameter hole, either.


The screw heads look a bit odd, but I'll think of something. It works (so far).

 

[Archie]

This is the pistol, not the revolver, right? One website said to look for these: https://www.triplek.com/product/alkartasuna-32acp-2-grip-screw-6-rd/

Might be worth the $42 just to try them.

I looked. The grips advertised are shown with a screw at the bottom and another about midway up. The one on which I fiddle has screws at top and bottom.

I really like these pistols. Other than the cheap finish, the wretched sights, the horrible trigger pull and the piddling caliber... They do go bang on cue. I do like that.